76 | JADE
SARAH L TAYLOR
Figure 10: Mobile data access scenarios: (a) iPads tethered to a
single mobile phone, (b) each iPad is an independent mobile unit
(Source: drawn by SLT from MS ClipArt).
5. Conclusions
This study demonstrates the relevance of a group-orientated
collaborative problem-solving approach to tree ID. Through a twoway dialogue, students were able to discuss the difficulties and
pitfalls of tree ID, thereby gaining confidence in the process and
use a digital mobile device to keep accurate visual records of the
identified trees. The tree tour was hampered by the patchy nature
of the outdoor Wi-Fi signal, which reduced GPS accuracy and
prevented access to the ForestXplorer app. In future, targeted trees
will be restricted to the Wi-Fi hotspots and the leafsnapHD removed
from the suite of educational apps as it did not promote learning.
None of the ID apps tested in this study were capable of identifying
all eight target trees species. This is partly because of the inclusion
of cultivars to demonstrate that no identification key is infallible and
that you often have to pursue multiple resources. This is true of
traditional and digital keys as there will always be limits to what is
included. One thing is clear; tree ID apps will never replace the need
for a taxonomic expert to appraise the identification given, so the
future employment of ecologists is safe!